It's my space, but you're welcome to stay.

Well, kids, I must say. Now that I’m an official WordPress person, the grass does look greener over here. It’s like I’m driving a new car and discovering all the new and cool things. I’m slowly categorizing previous posts and playing around with a couple new things. All of this for you, my loyal and growing readership. Can’t you feel the love and dedication? I hope you can. Now, if I can just figure out how to change this color.

It’s Labor Day Weekend. Where exactly did summer go? Will enjoy the long weekend though.

So Aidan has come up with a couple of winners lately. I’m putting him to bed the other night, standing next to his bed, which is a little loft thing, so he’s actually a little above my eye level when he says, “Daddy, how come you don’t have all your hairs?”

Then, last night, we’re at dinner and he’s talking about he had a “no nap day” but he rested in the bed with some of his books. How many books did you have, I asked. The response was, “A lot, Daddy. It was like my own library.”

Erin, his nearly three-month old sister, is trying so hard to roll over. She’s done it once, but it was kind of a fluke, but now she’s working sooo hard at getting over. You can see her determination and frustration. It’s fun to watch.

So my grandmother is six weeks away from being 101. She’s in a nursing home and, in general, isn’t doing very well. My mom got a call Thursday night that she had been non-responsive all day, sleeping, low oxygen, just bad news. Like this might be the time. I get there Friday morning and complete turnaround, capped off by her asking the nurse if she could have some ice cream. At 7 a.m. When you’re almost 101, you can do whatever you want.

It’s a gorgeous day today and I’m having lunch with a dear friend from high school. Should be fun.

I’m a Sox fan. They just got swept. I’m nervous. But, hey, it’s almost football season!

So, here I am, writing my 99th post. Who knew I’d make it this far. Certainly not me.Also, I sort of promised myself that I wouldn’t entertain bathroom posts, particularly about my own actions, until at least the 101st post.Well, screw that. We’re throwing caution to the wind. I’m writing about it now. Number 99. Yup, this is me. Living on the edge.OK, so, the thing is. I’m a guy. This you know. You also know I wouldn’t always fit into the category of ‘typical guy.’ Particularly when it comes to one of my bathroom habits.I can admit it. I really can. Here goes. Ready?Hi, I’m Mike. And I’m a SometimesSitter. Phew. I don’t know how you feel, but I’m feeling much better with that off my chest. A SometimesSitter.So what does that mean, actually?It means that whenever I go the bathroom, of the number one variety, I’m not always standing over the toilet. Sometimes I sit. Why? I’m not really sure, but, I do. And, you know what? I like it.Let’s look at a couple of examples.I always sit at work. It’s the easiest, cleanest and most convenient. I work in an office with mostly women. This way, I don’t sprinkle anywhere, I don’t have to worry about putting the seat down. None of that. Just sit down, take a nice little rest and that’s it.There’s only one other guy in the office, so if the women find any leftovers or if the seat is still up, guess what? It’s him. Not me. I take some comfort in that. In other public spots, I’ll choose not to be a SometimesSitter. It sort of depends on where and the overall cleanliness situation. But, that’s the benefit of this. I can choose when and where I want to be a SometimesSitter.I’m almost always a SometimesSitter when I wake up in the morning. As I trudge down the hall to go, I’m too asleep to concentrate on aim and all that stuff. Just sit down and go. What’s the big deal? Being a SometimesSitter is nothing to be ashamed of. This I know. In fact, I might be ahead of the curve on this one.So, if there are, in fact, any guys reading this blog, how about it? Are you a SometimesSitter?It’s OK. In fact, it’s more than OK. So stand up, er, sit down and be proud.What else? I got nothin’.

Well, it finally happened. “I don’t have to do it all the time with Mommy.” Those were the words from my three-year-old when I insisted he wear his helmet to ride his bike, even for just a couple of minutes in the driveway.I could go on and on about how we didn’t have to wear helmets. But, fact is, kids have to today. So, my thought and goal is that everytime he sits on the bike, his helmet is on his head. No exceptions. Then it becomes automatic. When I mentioned it to Renee, she definitely understood my point. And, agrees with it. Yet, there are times when she’s juggling a bazillion things and Aidan on the bike for a minute or two without the helmet isn’t a terrible thing. And I agree with that. We’re both trying so hard at this parenting thing. And the helmet is the newest challenge. It’s a Diego helmet, which is cool. And he loves that. But one day, it goes on without any issue at all. The next, you’d think we’re talking about him putting an animal on his head. It’s probably our problem for not starting it as soon as he started riding on it about a year ago. But that was when he could barely pedal. He’s a pro now, and we are trying to catch up with the helmet thing, because next year, he’ll definitely be on a ‘big boy’ bike with training wheels and not a glorified tricycle. We’ll get there, and this won’t be the first time I hear him say what he said. And, God knows there will be times when he says to her, “But I don’t do it that way with Daddy.”Ah, the joys. What else? I got nothin’.

So we’re reading stories tonight before bed. It was just Aidan and me.Renee was at a friend’s, and she took Erin with her.Boys’ Night like these usually start with a meal at McDonalds, which is always a treat.So, we got back, did bath with no issues and then it was story time.After Brown Bear, Brown Bear and a Thomas book, it was time for One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish — which is my favorite book to read.So we’re going through it, having fun and we get to the part about having a Zans.Now, usually, if Renee is reading the book, Aidan will say, “I don’t have a Zans. I have a can opener.”Can’t argue with that.But, tonight, it was pure joy to hear him say the following:“I don’t have a Zans, Daddy.”“I know, bud.”“I have you and Mommy and Erin.”I mean, how cool is that?What else? I got nothin’.

….Sit right back and you’ll hear a tale. A tale of a fateful trip, that started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship.Well, I’m sure you can finish the rest of the song. Or, maybe you can’t. Because a couple of times that I’ve mentioned my day with Bob Denver, a few people were like, “I thought you meant John Denver.”Is it possible that I’m older than enough of you, my faithful readers, that you really don’t know who Bob Denver is? That really can’t be possible. Can it?Well, for those that don’t know, Bob Denver was Gilligan. As in Gilligan’s Island. As in the theme song in the first sentence of this post. As in one of the most entertaining TV shows. Ever.That Bob Denver.He was an icon. A legend. And, as I found out, an incredible chain smoker.Here’s the story. I was in Vermont at the time. Working for marketing/PR agency. We landed a new television station as a client and were assigned with the task of planning the launch party for the station. Basically, get people to care about the then fledgling WB Network. No easy task, even for this PR guy. Because, keep in mind, this was like 1995. So, in order to drum up some buzz, the station folks hired Bob Denver to come to Vermont and act as the celebrity pitch man for this station launch.Now, again, for anyone over probably 32, Bob Denver is legendary. Under that, I’m really not so sure. You may have seen a little Gilligan’s Island, but not like we did. And, heck, Gilligan’s Island was big for him, but for the even older generation, he was known as Doby Gillis.But, I digress.Now, why did they pick Bob Denver to launch a station that was full of WB programming? Beats the hell out of me. Denver had a show called Treasure Hunters or something that was also on the station, but needless to say, he didn’t fit the overall demographic.But, when you’re a PR guy, you work with what you have. So, that’s what I did. We arranged for some newpaper interviews and for a slew of radio station interviews. (Note: that might be the first time I’ve ever used slew in a sentence.)So, since he’s, well, Bob Denver, we arranged for a limo to take him and his manager/friend/lackey around to these stations. And, of course, I was to accompany him as the rep for the station. What was my job? Basically to make sure he got the station call letters right. Let’s face it, the radio stations wanted to talk to him about Gilligan, not about the TV thing. So they would give us one quick plug and then it was more focused on who was hotter, Ginger or Mary Ann.So there I was, a young lad with a guy I had watched on TV a bazillion times. I wouldn’t say I was star struck, but it was very cool to spend some time with the guy. Or so I thought it would be.I’m not here to bash on someone who is no longer with us (he died a few years ago), but he wasn’t the most friendly guy I’ve ever met. I mean, he couldn’t have been making too much for this appearance (I think he got five grand). And, I’m sure he’s been asked the Ginger and Mary Ann question more than he ever wanted, but here he was nonetheless.Did I mention he was a chain smoker? Yeah. I did. And, yeah, he was. I’m not sure I ever saw him for more than five minutes without a cigarette.My favorite moments were when we’d walk into the studio and he’d be smoking away. The DJ would say, politely (I mean, again, this was Bob Denver) that the studio was a no smoking place.“No problem,” he’d say, but not put the cigarette out. He didn’t care. He was Bob Denver, he’d do what he want.Everyone wanted pictures and he did that. Again, I think he knew he had to. And he would put on that trademark goofy grin whenever the camera was snapped, but after that, “where’s my cigarette.”In the studio, he was great. I mean, this guy could turn it on with the best of them. A song would be playing and he’d be talking to his manager, not stopping to talk as the DJ was going on air. The DJ would be introducing him, asking a question and he’s still talking to his manager, until he instantly knew when to answer the question and devote a few seconds to it. Then the segment would end and he’d go right back to the conversation with his manager/lackey and, of course, his cigarette.The other funny thing was that he brought one of the original Gilligan hats with him. And he’d wear it. Um, on the radio. So, we rode around to five different radio stations and did the interviews. It was fine. He did his job, promoting the reason why he was there first and then answering all the questions about Gilligan after that.Oh, and for the record, Gilligan was a Mary Ann man. At least he was that day.Me? Well, it was cool to meet him and see how he operated, but, all in all, I could have done without the smoke. It was brutal, especially in the limo.Oh well. It was Gilligan. The Little Buddy. But, on this day, I unfortunately saw more of Bob Denver than I did of Gilligan. And, I gotta tell you, I like Gilligan better.Some day, kids, I’ll even tell you about my Rachel Ray experience. But, as a preview, it wasn’t a whole lot better than my Bob Denver experience.What else? I got nothin’.

Ok, nobody tagged me. I’m bringing this 100 thing on myself. Afterall, new people are here. This will give you some idea about me. Of course, it might also cause you to never return. I’m willing to take that chance. Alright…here we go:1. I was born in the 60s. Barely. 2. I’m a Scorpio.3. I’m the youngest of four. Or, as my mother says, “the baby.”4. I have a sister and twin brothers. One twin died unexpectedly (age 45) in June.5. My dad died seven years ago, at 65.6. My grandmother will be 101 in October.7. My house was popular in the summer — we had a pool.8. I went to Catholic elementary school. 9. I’m now on the school board of said school.10. I bounce from idea to idea alot — expect this list to do the same.11. I’d go back to high school and/or college in a heartbeat.12. I had perfect attendance my senior year of high school (I know, geek.).13. I didn’t go to my junior prom.14. I got a bunch of scholarships at graduation.15. My 20th reunion is next year. I’m planning it.16. I went to Marist College.17. I graduated 15 years ago. 18. My first job was at the CIA — The Culinary Institute of America.19. I testified at a murder trial. 20. My first ‘acting’ gig? I was a bluebird in 3rd grade.21. I’m in a movie. Yes, a real one. It’s called Heavy. Stars Liv Tyler.22. I worked the same summer job through high school and college.23. I met my wife working at that job.24. We got married in 1994. We were never going to have kids.25. Now we have two — one of each.26. I now can’t believe we didn’t want kids.27. I have three godchildren.28. I have 3,495 songs on my iPod.29. I’ve seen more than 50 bands/artists live in concert.30. My first concert was KISS. I was 10.31. We lived in Vermont for six years.32. I’ve been a regular ‘character’ on two radio morning shows, one in Vermont; one in Connecticut.33. Watch Montel? Maybe you’ve seen me. I was on his show last year.34. I’m not sure I can write 100 things about myself.35. I hate coffee. 36. I love orange juice.37. I’m 100 percent Coke. Pepsi makes me sick.38. My gallbladder came out when I was 22. 39. I was the first of my group of friends to get married. 40. I’m actually kind of shy.41. I’m a lefty. 42. I didn’t get my license until I was 19.43. My first car? A ‘vette. Chevette.44. I’m a New England sports fan. Go Sox. Go Pats. Go Celts. 45. I’m pretty good at what I do. 46. But I sometimes wonder if I should have been a teacher.47. I cried like a fool at my wedding. Tears of joy, of course.48. I love fantasy baseball.49. I can’t for the life of me remember movie lines.50. I can, however, remember song lyrics.51. I’m a good writer.52. I make up goofy songs all the time, particuarly to/for my kids.53. I’m picky.54. I’m a loyal friend. 55. I like burgers and steak medium rare.56. I think celery is quite possibly the worst tasting thing. Ever.57. I kind of like this blogging thing.58. I’ve been to 15 major league ballparks.59. I’m an aggressive driver.60. I expect good customer service.61. I will fight for principle. 62. Show Boat is my favorite musical.63. I’ve worn glasses since I was one.64. My right index finger is the same size as either of my two pinky fingers.65. I will never drink Bacardi again. (Long story.)66. I can’t fix anything.67. I do, however, write a great letter or note.68. I miss playing golf as much as I used to.69. I still don’t know why I didn’t have TiVo as soon as it came out.70. I’m doing the best I can at this dad thing. 🙂 71. I was crying so much, I couldn’t cut my son’s embilical cord. 72. I did cut my daughter’s, and, I gotta say, I felt a little guilty.73. At times I wish I was a more patient parent.74. Every now and then, I think about auditioning for some community theater.75. I have a crush on Kristin Chenoweth.76. I hate hockey. 77. I have a candy corn collection. (Don’t worry, you’ll learn about it soon.)78. My most amazing concert experience? Being 20 feet from Bono’s mic at a Boston U2 show.79. I wish I didn’t, but I bite my nails.80. I want to go back to Ireland.81. I already love the thought of taking my kids to Disney in a few years.82. I once surpised my wife in Italy. She was chaperoning a trip. I just showed up.83. I drove all summer without air conditioning in my car.84. I do my best work under deadline.85. I don’t do incredibly well on ladders.86. I wish I was 40 pounds lighter.87. I sometimes wish I was better organized.88. I don’t use a straw.89. My favorite dressing is thousand island.90. I still have the baseball cards I collected as a kid.

91. I’m very picky when it comes to comedy. I don’t think Will Ferrell is funny.92. I do think Steven Wright is hilarious, however.93. I want my kids to be as proud of me as I will be of them.94. I’m probably into Thomas the Tank Engine as much as my three-year-old.95. I once rode around all day in a limo with Bob Denver. (You’ll hear about it sometime!)96. I’m the in-game DJ for a professional sports team.97. I usually only need five hours of sleep per night.98. I pray that my nephew comes home safely from Iraq.99. We go to church regularly.100. I can’t decide which remaining nugget to end with! Phew! What else? I definitely got nothin’ now.